The Best Cocktails for all Occasions

There’s something about a great cocktail that instantly sets the mood. Whether I’m hosting friends for a casual dinner, setting the vibe before a night out, or just winding down after a long day, the drink in your hand should feel like an extension of your energy. Chic, unfussy, and flavorful.

These are my go-to cocktails for any occasion—each one simple, elevated, and always a hit.

1. The Spicy Skinny Margarita (My Ride-or-Die)

I’ve been making this forever, and it’s the one I always come back to. Clean ingredients, no added sugar, and the perfect balance of heat and citrus.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz silver tequila

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• ¾ oz Cointreau or Triple Sec

• 2 slices fresh jalapeño

• Optional: splash of soda water

How to Make:Shake tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau with jalapeño slices and ice. Strain over fresh ice. Add a splash of soda if you want it lighter. I salt half the rim with chili-lime salt for a little drama.

2. French 75 (For When You Want to Feel Fancy)

Light, bubbly, and just a little bit dangerous. Perfect for brunches, celebrations, or a Friday night when you just cleaned the whole house and want to feel like you're at a hotel bar.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin

• ½ oz lemon juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• Top with Champagne or prosecco

How to Make:Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a coupe or flute, then top with Champagne. Bonus points for a lemon twist.

3. The Dirty Martini (When You Mean Business)

If you know me, you know I live for a good dirty martini—cold, briny, and perfectly sharp. It’s the drink I make when I want something strong and unapologetic.

Ingredients:

• 2½ oz vodka (or gin)

• ½ oz dry vermouth

• ½ oz olive brine (or more if you love it dirty)

• Garnish: castelvetrano olives (non-negotiable)

How to Make:Stir (don’t shake!) all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with olives. Chill the glass ahead of time—it makes all the difference.

4. The Zero-Proof Nightcap (For the Non-Drinkers, or the Detoxing Me)

I love experimenting with non-alcoholic options that still feel grown-up. This one’s great for winding down, and it looks beautiful in a rocks glass.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Seedlip Garden or other botanical spirit

• ½ oz lemon juice

• Dash of bitters (non-alcoholic if needed)

• Splash of tonic or ginger beer

• Fresh herbs to garnish (like rosemary or mint)

How to Make:Build it in a glass over ice. Stir gently and garnish. It’s refreshing, herbaceous, and perfect for a chill night in.

Final Thoughts

Cocktails should never feel fussy. For me, it’s about good ingredients, beautiful glassware, and a moment to pause and enjoy. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just the end of a long Tuesday, these drinks always feel just right.

Let me know your go-to cocktail in the comments—I'm always looking to try something new.

Cheers,

Jennifer